Bike Touring Italy | Classic Bike Climbs

Salite Classica nelle Dolomiti

The Dolomites of Italy offers some of the best cycle touring in Europe with a large variety of climbs and valley routes to select from.  The scenery you will discover during your rides is spectacular and unique to the Dolomites.  There are many great rides and options to consider when you plan your trip, below are few tips to get you started.

2021 holds hope that the Dolomites and the rest of Italy will open up to travel and there will be chances to explore some the classic cycle routes.  With travel being closed for a year there are some establishments that could still be closed or not reopen so we are reviewing our travel guide and riding anew many of classic climbs to update our trip planning notebook.  We hope this guide will help you plan your next adventure and if you have rides you would like us to review send us a DM at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Planning a Bike Tour in the Dolomites

If your destination this travel season is to bike tour tour here are a few tips to consider as you plan.  

TIME: How many days do you have to ride. 

Once in a lifetime trip: If you only have one trip to Italy you might consider reviewing our top rides in Italy list and see which ones you wish to ride.  Many people combine the Dolomites with the Alps.

More than one trip.  If you have the time, money, and what to ride Italy multiple times you should one full two week period just to explore the Dolomites. 

Check out some our route suggestions.

BUDGET: Self guided can save you quite a lot but you will need to ride with extra get, weather can change quick so carrying a full kit is the smart thing. 

Guided: I suggest route support but I am not a big fan of group trips with people who do not know each other.  The main reason is that someone is always waiting for others and there is a tendency for weaker riders to feel pressured to utilize a SAG wagon.  However, having motor support on the route is great for extra gear and mechanical assistance.  Most of Italiaoutdoors trips we organize the route so there is really no need for a SAG wagon and utilized a motorcycle or Vespa as route support allowing us to move up and down the climb quickly and safely.

WHEN: The best time to ride the Dolomites to enjoy less traffic is June and late September, July and August has become very busy with car and motorcycle touring.  The more popular routes can be very crowded and the passes overcrowded.  The earliest you can ride is May but there is a greater chance of poor weather plus not everything is open.  

For help planning your tour check out our travel page.  Italiaoutdoors Travel Planning and Guide Services

The Classic Bike Climbs in the Dolomites

BIKE TOURING LOCATIONS IN THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES

bike touring passo pordoiBIKE TOURING PASSO PORDOI

bike touring passo sella

BIKE TOURING PASSO SELLA

bike touring passo gardena

BIKE TOURING PASSO GARDENA

bike touring passo campolongo

BIKE TOURING PASSO CAMPOLONGO

bike touring passo duran

BIKE TOURING PASSO DURAN

bike touring passo staulanza

BIKE TOURING PASSO STAULANZA

passo giau

BIKE TOURING PASSO GIAU

bike touring passo falzarego

BIKE TOURING PASSO FALZAREGO

bike touring passo fedaia

BIKE TOURING PASSO FEDAIA

bike touring passo san pellegrino

BIKE TOURING PASSO SAN PELLEGRINO

bike touring passo cereda

BIKE TOURING PASSO CEREDA

bike touring passo brocon

BIKE TOURING PASSO BROCON

passo costalungo

BIKE TOURING PASSO COSTALUNGA (KARERPASS)

 bike touring passo croce d'aune

BIKE TOURING PASSO CROCE D'AUNE

bike touring passo manghen

BIKE TOURING PASSO MANGHEN

bike touring passo rolle

Need Help Planning Your Italy Vacation

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer:

  • Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy.
  • Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy.
  • Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore.
  • Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers.
  • Booking assistance and suggested contacts.

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